Robotics clubs at five high schools in Yap received VEX Classroom and Competition kits earlier this month, kicking off expansion of the popular Yap Robo League.

Using the raw parts, students will be able to design, build, and code robots to compete in a statewide STEM exhibition and robotics competition in May. Yap’s Robo League was established in 2011 by the U.S.-based nonprofit “Habele.” It is now expanding across that state through a pilot grant award by the Office of Insular Affairs.

“We were inspired by the students from Yap who represented the Federated States of Micronesia this summer at the 2017 FIRST Global Challenge international robotics competition for high school students here in Washington, D.C.,” said OIA Director Nik Pula. “Through robotics, the Habele Outer Island Education Fund has been promoting the broadening of students’ experience in applying basic Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math skills in a positive, competitive, and hands-on way, and we are pleased to support expansion of this opportunity for more students in Yap,” continued Pula.